BREAST RECONSTRUCTION FROM STEM CELLS AND BODY'S OWN FATIn a new procedure stem cells and the body's own fat are used to essentially re-grow breast tissue.

A patient's own fat and stem cells are combined in the lab, and growth factors are added. It's then injected into a biodegradable chamber in the breast. A blood supply is attached to feed these cells, and in about six-to-twelve months, that tissue then creates the form and shape of a breast.

Stem cells are found in a variety of sources. They can be found in embryos. They can also be found in umbilical cord blood, and in our own bone barrow. What makes them so powerful is these are naive cells that can then go on to become almost anything, and that's what's so important.

Prior to this most women, if they were going to have reconstructive surgery, it would involve something with an implant. This is a little bit different. It sounds great, but part of it sounds almost too good to be true.

Drawback: the big concern is that you don't re-stimulate the cancer cells.

It is not FDA approved in the US and no clinical trial yet. But Cytori Therapeutics recently announced the European approval (CE mark) of its Celution System, a breakthrough new device that promises to expand the applications of autologous fat grafting to breast reconstruction and targeted healing for wounds, such as those caused by Crohn's disease.The Celution System has not only made possible new applications for reconstructive fat grafting, it can also be used for fat graft preparation in cosmetic fat grafting procedures, such as facial fat transfer for volume restoration and wrinkle treatment and buttocks augmentation.

Cytori Therapeutics recently announced the European approval (CE mark) of its Celution System, a breakthrough new device that promises to expand the applications of autologous fat grafting to breast reconstruction and targeted healing for wounds, such as those caused by Crohn's disease.The Celution System has not only made possible new applications for reconstructive fat grafting, it can also be used for fat graft preparation in cosmetic fat grafting procedures, such as facial fat transfer for volume restoration and wrinkle treatment and buttocks augmentation.

Prior to receiving the CE mark, the Celution System underwent trials wherein the majority of patients and physicians were satisfied with results six months and one year after breast reconstruction via stem cell-enriched fat grafting.Satisfaction rate after six months (51 patients):Patients – 73%Physicians – 84%Satisfaction rate after one year (30 patients):Patients – 70%Physicians – 90%There is still significant research to be done on the viability of stem cell-enriched fat grafting for breast reconstruction, however these initial results look promising.

LASER ASSISTED LIPOPLASTYWith laser-assisted lipoplasty, a laser probe is inserted into the target area through a small incision, which the surgeon aims at fatty tissue to rupture the fat cells. The laser is then directed toward the skin layer to initiate a stimulation of these cells to achieve a reported tightening of the skin. Fat and disrupted tissue is then suctioned out. The technique received significant media attention as a popular "fat-melting" treatment with a celebrity following.

However, initial data showed that this procedure was no better than traditional liposuction. Additionally, it could present some risks to the liver and kidneys by releasing fatty acids from the fat cells if the recommended concurrent liposuction step approved by the FDA and included in current teaching is not performed. In the wake of the media storm around the fat-melting "phenomenon", a task force was assembled and charged with investigating the technology, analyzing any safety issues and efficacy as compared to other devices, developing a teaching protocol, and educating 2,500 surgeons in how to effectively perform the procedure.

"Over the last two-and-a-half years there has been extensive research and development into laser-assisted lipoplasty, including multiple rounds of research and comparative studies published in peer-reviewed journals," said Dr. DiBernardo, a plastic surgeon in Montclair, NJ. "Ultimately, laser-assisted lipolysis has come to be an important tool in the fat loss armamentarium."

LIPOSUCTION FOR MEN"Many of the men that come to us for 'Speedo sag' surgery have lostweight or been on a fitness drive and are looking for surgery to removestubborn pockets of fat or unsightly, loose flaps of skin on their paunch.It's the final step in their journey to achieving a body they actually wantto show off - in Speedos or otherwise."

Mr Frati, consultant cosmetic surgeon at The Harley Medical Groupcommented, "An abdominoplasty to remove 'Speedo sag' involves an incision just above the pubic area. This surgery removes excess skin and fat and tightens the muscular and fascia parts of the stomach, leaving it flatter and more taute. As well as seeing more men having this surgical procedure ,liposuctionto the upper thigh area, or the flanks, is increasingly popular."

LUX 1540 LASER FOR REDUCING STRETCHMARKSThe Lux1540 laser device from Palomar can dramatically reduce the telltale white streaks of stretchmarks by up to 75 per cent.Although pregnancy is one of the mostcommon causes of stretchmarks, they can affect teenagers and young women long before they think of starting a family.Growth spurts and weight fluctuations may result in marks forming on the thighs and 'love handles', much to the distress of bikini-wearers.Even top actresses such as Kate Beckinsale and Scarlett Johansson have been spotted with the slivery marks of striae - the medical term - around the cleavage.As well as tackling stretchmarks, the laser can treat surgical scars, acne scars, dark skin patches - known as melasma - and other skin conditions.Only four treatments are needed formaximum results - but it comes at a price.Having the full course will set women back a cool USD 1,800.00.